Baggage

Baggage is an interesting word. It can refer to the suitcases that we carry on a trip or it can paint a picture of the things that weigh us down, hold us back, and keep us from walking with joy.

Reading through 1 Samuel, I came across a baggage story. I had read it before, but in the Bible’s unique way, it spoke to me anew. In 1 Samuel 10, the people of Israel are gathered before Samuel, God’s prophet, in Mizpah. The people have come to Samuel asking for a king so that they can be like the other nations. God tells Samuel to give them what they want, and directs him to anoint Saul as leader of His people. Having drawn lots to reveal God’s will, Saul, the son of Kish, is chosen as the new king. The problem is that they can’t find him. He is hiding in the baggage.

That picture of Saul trying to hide in the baggage looked more like a mirror than I had expected. Saul was chosen, anointed, and empowered by God to fulfill His purpose. In response, Saul hides himself in the baggage. This isn’t a move of humility, but of fear, and it looks very familiar. How many times do I duck away from God’s call on my life and hide among my baggage? How many times do I let my fear, guilt, uncertainty, and doubt stop me from being who God is calling me to be?

Here is the truth. We all have baggage. Baggage comes in different shapes and sizes, but the result is the same. Our baggage keeps us from walking in the freedom of God’s purpose for our hearts.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1

My Jesus Resolutiontoday is to stop hiding in my baggage. God knows my weaknesses and the weights that drag on my soul. He whispers to my heart that He will carry my load. He calls me to trust His power, depend on His grace, and move in His purpose. Baggage can pile on our souls from many different sources, but the solution is always, only found in one place. Jesus is a baggage handler. All I have to do is stop hiding, let go, and discover the freedom that flows from hiding in Him.